BOARD OF TRADE

New Zealand Times, Volume XLVI, Issue 10612, 10 June 1920, Page 5

BOARD OF TRADE

REPORTED REORGANISATION

NOT' VIEWED FAVOURABLY. WELLINGTON PRICES MARKED DOWN. The Government’s reported, intention to reorganise and enlarge the Board of Trade by adding several heads of Government Departments is not viewed fav ourably *in business circles in Wellington. The opinion expressed is that commercially trained men should undertake this work. Tho licads of departments,- it is urged, have already too much to do, and their interest in Board of Trade affairs would either be perfunctory, or their ordinary duties would he neglected. Tho suggested, appointment of the Government Statistician to the board is, however, favoured, owing to that department’s special work in connection with prices. Tho Wellington Price Tribunal continues to hold sittings, but preserves complete secrecy regarding _ its results. It thus places itself, it is contended, in a false position, because reports are. privately current regarding substantial reductions it has ordered, in cases of overcharging brought under its notice, while a fair npiount of marking down by retailers lias been soon in some commodities, notably -boots and clothing.